Lizzo's “Big Grrl” And “Big Boiii” Dancers Side With Singer In Open Letter
Lizzo's backup dancers' vocal support arrives as the singer faces allegations from three former dancers.
Lizzo (Source: Supplied)
Lizzo’s backup dancers, the “Big Grrl” and “Big Boiii” groups, have shared their support for the About Damn Time singer in an open letter.
Their vocal backing arrives as former backup dancers Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams and Noelle Rodriguez accused Lizzo, her production company Big Grrrl Big Touring Inc, and dance captain Shirlene Quigley of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment.
The allegations surfaced in early August. Lizzo was accused of body shaming and firing an employee and, amongst other claims, was accused of “inviting cast members to take turns touching the nude performers, catching dildos launched from the performers’ vaginas, and eating bananas protruding from the performers’ vaginas” in an Amsterdam nightclub.
“Big Grrl” and “Big Boiii”s shared their support for Lizzo on Instagram yesterday (18 August). “We had the time of our lives on The Special Tour. We have been so honored [sic] to share the stage with such amazing talent,” the open letter reads via The Line Of Best Fit.
“The commitment to character and culture taking precedence over every movement and moment has been one of the Greatest lessons and Blessings that we could possibly ask for.”
The open letter continued by showering Lizzo with praise for “shattering limitations and kicking in the doorway for the Big Grrrl & Big Boiii Dancers to do what we love,” the statement added. “You have given us a platform where we have been able to parallel our Passion with a purpose! Not only for Us, but for Women and All people breaking barriers.” You can read the open letter below.
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Calling the claims “false allegations” that have been “sensationalized” [sic], Lizzo said she was “hurt” by the public accusations.
Responding to the allegations days after they emerged, Lizzo wrote, “Usually I choose not to respond to false allegations, but these are as unbelievable as they sound and too outrageous to not be addressed. These sensationalized stories are coming from former employees who have already publicly admitted that they were told their behavior [sic] on tour was inappropriate and unprofessional.
“I am not here to be looked at as a victim, but I also know that I am not the villain that people and the media have portrayed me to be these last few days,” she added. “I am very open with my sexuality and expressing myself, but I cannot accept or allow people to use that openness to make me out to be something I am not.
“There is nothing I take more seriously than the respect we deserve as women in the world. I know what it feels like to be body shamed on a daily basis and would absolutely never criticize or terminate an employee because of their weight.”
If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual harassment, you can contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au for a confidential chat, counselling and support service.
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